I don't have any official word on hammocks in Washington state parks. I've hung in several state parks without asking and never been told to take my hammock down.
I don't have any official word on hammocks in Washington state parks. I've hung in several state parks without asking and never been told to take my hammock down.
I just stumbled across this thread and think it's awesome. I started trying to reach out to some of the start parks around me a couple of years ago and didn't get very far... My ADD most likely kicked in and I prolly saw something shiny and got distracted. I'm really glad that you stepped in and are seeing this through! I feel like the powers that be need the education to fill in the blanks so they are able to make, set and follow new rules/guidelines for all to adhere to. They say, "fear of the unknown" and I think that is what it is mostly. We obviously see hammock camping for what it is and what it could be because we are immersed in it and took the time to learn. I didn't read through all the posts in this thread (ADD again), I think I made it through like 5 pages... so I don't know what was said or what ideas were brought up. I truly feel like the powers that be should attend a conference of sorts that showcases hammock camping and learn all about it, from setup/tear down, accessories, construction, etc and be allowed to test out various types of hammocks and accessories. I feel like someone needs to make an informative video about all the nuances, pros & cons involved in hammock camping with tried & proven data about everything... this way the parks can make a more informed decision about allowing hammock campers "EVERYWHERE"!
My 2 cents.
~Matik
The road to success is always under construction.
http://hikingillinois.blogspot.com/
I disagree to some extent. In my experience - caretakers of National Parks and Forests seem to want to "accomplish something" so that they can get promoted to a higher level. This invariably results in restrictions on use/ more regulations to correct a problem that never existed. They are not objective in their agendas and only try to do something to justify their job. Furthermore, they develop a mindset that the property under their jurisdiction is theirs and NOT ours - American Citizens. Now I am referring primarily to the Superintendents of these parks/forests and not the guys and women on the ground. This applies as well to State Park personnel but to a much lesser degree as in most cases they are longer term residents of their communities and less subject to transfer within a few years. I have specific examples that have formed my opinions and NOT ALL park employees are guilty of this but it is an institutional mindset that needs to be changed. This is a great thread but many of the responses are from the States are noncommittal and allow the State/Park/Superintendent/Ranger, etc. to rule whichever way he wants.
Hello!
Thank you for your inquiry about camping at our Maryland State Parks.
Many of our parks do not permit hammocks due to the stress that repeated use places on trees. Also, the majority of our State Park campground camping pads do not provide immediate access to trees from which hammocks could be hung.
However, if you would like to pursue hammock camping, please contact the staff of the park you would like to visit. Additionally, there is primitive camping available in State Forests that may offer sites more conducive to camping hammocks. One such forest is Greenridge State Forest. Greenridge Forest Service staff can be contacted at 301-478-3124. For a full listing of Maryland State Park contact information, please visit our State Park Directory Webpage.
Please let me know if I can provide you with any additional information. Have a great day!
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Raquel Brown Customer Service Specialist
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Received this yesterday.
But we need to remember, I've broken the speed limit on every road, street, highway and interstate and "never had a problem" either. It just depends on how much you want to push it, and suffer the consequences once you get caught by the "wrong" person.
This area that used to be grayer than gray seems to be becoming more defined, unfortunately. But I'm not surprised.
Additionally regarding Maryland State Parks is the fact that most of the ones close to where I live are open only from April 1-Nov 1. Kinda stinks for winter hanging. For that I have to go in my backyard. I was interested in the Grayson winter Hang, but that one was filled up. Looks like I'll just wait until the Parks open up again in the Spring.
Hammock camping in Alabama appears to be increasing. I talked to the Park Rangers, and Hammocks are fine with them, as long as people don't drive nails in trees ect...
I went thru Desoto State Park in North Alabama Tuesday. I counted hammocks on 15 sites out of 94. This is an Improved area, with all the amenities.
Then I went to the Primitive Sites about a mile away. You need a key to get in this area. No one was camping there Tuesday.
I located a number of sites in the Primitive Area, and some in the Improved area that would hang a couple of hammocks.
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